Coronavirus News & Breaking Stories

The federal government is offering free at-home COVID-19 tests again to slow the spread of the virus during the fall and winter seasons.

Former Trump administration aide Cassidy Hutchsinson claims she had to leave Washington after testifying against Donald Trump and his allies in the January 6 investigation. In an upcoming memoir, she alleges that Trump refused to wear a mask due to concerns about his orange bronzer staining the straps. Hutchsinson also accuses Rudy Giuliani of sexually assaulting her on January 6, a claim he denies. Her book, titled "Enough," is set to be released in September and contains other shocking revelations.

The Biden Administration is providing free Covid-19 test kits to Americans starting Sept. 25, with four tests per household available through covidtests.gov. The kits can detect the latest variants and will be available until the end of December. The program's costs are unclear, but in 2022, three companies were awarded $2 billion to provide 380 million free test kits. The announcement comes a year after President Biden declared the pandemic over. Insurance companies are no longer covering the cost of test kits, and the government has also granted $600 million to 12 Covid-19 test manufacturers.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has returned from his trip to Russia, where he strengthened ties with President Putin. The two countries discussed defense ties, leading to speculation about arms transfer deals in violation of U.N. resolutions.

The possibility of a government shutdown is looming large, after Republican leadership scrapped a procedural vote on a stopgap funding bill to keep the government running through October. Intraparty feuding between moderates and the hard-right lies at the heart of the GOP's inability to reach a compromise and highlights the challenge before House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.).

Temple University Health System reports a $64 million annual operating loss, its first since 2014, due to lack of COVID-19 aid.

Temple University acting president JoAnne A. Epps died suddenly during a memorial service, leaving the university in shock and grief.

Puka Nacua, a Polynesian player, makes waves in the NFL as a trusted receiver for the LA Rams. Learn about his journey and heritage.

Russell Brand denies forthcoming criminal allegations in a video posted on Instagram, hinting they pertain to sexual misconduct.

Drew Barrymore faces backlash for resuming production on her show during ongoing Hollywood strikes. She tearfully apologizes but faces criticism.

McDonald's plans to eliminate all dining room soda dispensers by 2032 due to changing consumer behavior and increased online ordering.

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The Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers are preparing to begin the post-Aaron Rodgers era in their rivalry. The new quarterbacks, Justin Fields and Jordan Love, remain calm and focused on being the best versions of themselves. The game is filled with unknowns and uncertainties for both teams.

Greeley residents fear that the proposed merger of Kroger and Albertsons will result in store closures, higher prices, and job losses. Regulators are reviewing the merger, and concerns about previous closures during mergers have been raised. Labor groups argue that the merger puts union jobs at risk, while farmers worry about decreased competition and potential food deserts in rural areas. Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser is skeptical of the promises made by the companies and plans to meet with executives before deciding whether to challenge the merger. Public comments on the merger can be submitted to coag.gov/grocerymerger.

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Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce has been ruled out of the NFL season opener against the Detroit Lions due to a knee injury.

John McEnroe's commentary at the US Open drew criticism from Tennys Sandgren for mispronouncing Alexander Zverev's name.

TikTok star Charli D'Amelio expresses excitement for Kourtney Kardashian's pregnancy and offers support after her hospitalization.

Jill Biden, who is fully vaccinated and boosted, has tested positive for COVID-19 for the second time.

Kansas City Chiefs' Travis Kelce is questionable for the season opener after hyperextending his knee in practice.

First Lady Jill Biden tests positive for COVID-19, experiencing mild symptoms. President Biden tests negative. Biden plans to continue teaching remotely.

Aaron Rodgers fulfills a dream by watching Novak Djokovic at the US Open, posting about it on Instagram. Djokovic wins easily.

Tony Award winner Kristin Chenoweth, 55, and musician Josh Bryant, 41, tied the knot surrounded by flowers in a beautiful wedding ceremony.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un criticizes officials for their "irresponsible" response to flood damage, blaming them for spoiling the national economy.

Defending champion Iga Swiatek dominates in her opening victory at the US Open as Novak Djokovic eyes a return to the top of the men's world rankings.

Celebrate National Cinema Day at The Kentucky Theater in Lexington, where the magic of cinema brings people together.

Billie Jean King's threat to boycott the US Open in 1972 led to equal prize money and transformed women's tennis.

Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh will serve a three-game suspension for NCAA recruiting infractions, self-imposed by the university.

Lana Del Rey announces her first tour in four years, supporting her album "Did You Know That There's a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd." Get tickets now!

The 18th season premiere of "Sister Wives" will air on Sunday, Aug. 20 at 10 p.m. on TLC. Watch it live on Philo (free trial).

El Segundo all-star team qualifies for Little League World Series, becoming second team from Los Angeles County since 1995.

Video of tourist climbing into Rome's Trevi Fountain to fill water bottle circulates online, sparking outrage and calls for increased security.

Ashley Olsen and her husband, Louis Eisner, welcomed a baby boy several months ago after getting married in secret.

TikTok star Bryce Hall is set to make his debut in the Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship, taking on a fighter with actual BKFC experience.

Actor Woody Harrelson appears to endorse Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for the 2024 presidential race, sparking mixed responses.

Three people and a dog were found dead in a cistern in a Texas corn field, officials said.

Foreign nationals from organized crime groups are suspected in the assassination of Ecuadorian presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio. The shooting has caused shock and raised concerns about rising violence in the country.

"South African government dismisses rumors of Indian PM Modi's absence at BRICS summit, emphasizes importance of global cooperation and economic growth."

Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver, a trailblazing leader in New Jersey politics, has passed away at the age of 71. Her legacy as the first Black woman to serve as speaker of the Assembly and lieutenant governor will be remembered for years to come. She was a compassionate advocate and a steady leader, and her commitment to helping the less fortunate was admirable. Her impact on Black women in public service is immeasurable, and her influence transcended generations. She will be greatly missed.

Gasoline prices in the US have reached a national average of $3.732 per gallon, with analysts warning that prices may continue to rise. The increase is attributed to rising oil prices, heat-related refinery outages in Louisiana and Texas, and tight gasoline supply. The market has also seen increased buying of gasoline futures contracts by speculators ahead of the hurricane season. Higher wholesale prices are expected to lead to higher retail prices in the coming weeks, but prices may pause or reverse if the hurricane threat dissipates.

Kim Jong Un showcases advanced weaponry to Russian defense minister.

Mortgage rates remain steady for home purchases, rise for refinancing.

"Twisted Metal" follows John Doe's journey in a post-apocalyptic world. Watch similar shows on Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime.

Doja Cat faces backlash after making harsh comments to fans.

Texas Rangers shortstop Corey Seager placed on injured list again.

JFK's grandson criticizes RFK Jr's candidacy, endorses Biden as "greatest progressive president."

Cleveland Cavaliers win NBA Summer League championship with 99-78 victory.

Dalton Gomez is dating other people amid separation from Ariana Grande.

Fans rejoice as 71-year-old widower Gerry Turner becomes first Golden Bachelor.

San Francisco's Anchor Brewing Co. to shut down due to declining sales.